NightSide With Dan Rea

The New York House primaries delivered major wins for candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, signaling that his progressive movement is gaining significant influence in New York politics. The results were widely viewed as evidence of the growing strength of progressive and democratic socialist politics in New York City and among the Democratic Party's left wing. Tonight, Dan reviews these results with Jeff Robbins, former U.S. Delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Massachusetts man convicted of killing his 2-year-old son with a Wiffle ball bat in 1983 has been granted parole after spending more than 40 years behind bars. The state's Parole Board unanimously approved the release of 78-year-old Richard Mayes, whose previous five parole requests had been denied. The decision has reignited debate over whether people convicted of violent crimes should be eligible for release after serving decades in prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston has historically low rates of homicide and violent crime compared with many other major U.S. cities, leading researchers to rank it among the safer large cities in the country. Still, recent shootings and other crimes have raised concerns among residents and public officials. Experts say a city's overall safety should be measured by long-term trends, not isolated incidents. Do you think Boston is a safe city?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts' highest court disqualified a proposed rent-control ballot question over an exemption for religious housing. The Supreme Judicial Court ruled the proposal could not appear on the ballot because its exemption for religious organizations violated the Massachusetts Constitution. Although voters will not decide the issue this November, supporters are pursuing other proposals that would let cities and towns adopt limited rent controls. Dan talked with Conor Yunits, Chair of the Housing for Massachusetts coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how the MA Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that a proposed ballot question creating a "top-two primary," or "jungle primary," system can appear on the November ballot. Under the proposal, candidates of all parties would compete on a single primary ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins is seeking to return to the office she once held. Rollins says she was encouraged to run by members of the community, who helped gather the signatures needed to secure her place on the ballot for the September Democratic primary. She says her campaign will focus on continuing the policies and priorities she championed during her previous tenure as district attorney. Rollins joined Dan to discuss her run for Suffolk County District Attorney!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent road rage fight on I-70 in Colorado highlights how police are using new technology to quickly identify suspects. After two drivers stopped in the middle of the highway and fought, authorities used a drone and automated license plate reader technology to track down the vehicles involved. Police say these tools help solve crimes more efficiently, while critics continue to raise concerns about privacy and surveillance. Bradley spoke with David Benowitz, VP of Strategy & Marketing Communications for BRINC Drones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that enslaved people were free, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Bradley was joined by Joel Mackall, co-founder of the Hidden History of Black Boston Tours, to discuss the history of Juneteenth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has removed a proposed income tax cut from the November ballot, ruling that a summary of the measure issued by Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office was misleading. The initiative would have lowered the state's flat income tax rate from 5% to 4%, but the court found that voters were not properly informed that the change would also affect taxes on long-term capital gains. Should the proposed tax cut have remained on the ballot for voters to decide?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trial attorney John Deaton's Senate campaign is built around the idea that Massachusetts needs an independent voice and a break from career politicians. He argues that Washington was "never meant to be a career." Deaton often highlights his working-class background and says his goal is to help people who feel ignored by the political system. Massachusetts Republican Senate candidate John Deaton joined Dan for a discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal authorities say they disrupted a planned mass-casualty attack targeting the UFC event at the White House, arresting five suspects before the plot could be carried out. Investigators allege the multi-stage assault would have involved explosive-laden drones and snipers. The FBI learned of the scheme after the mother of one of the suspects alerted authorities to concerns about his behavior and online activity. Dan discussed the latest developments in the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Efforts are underway to make AI literacy accessible to all K–12 students, regardless of background. Schools, nonprofits, universities, and technology companies are investing in AI literacy programs, teacher training, open educational resources, and free software to help ensure that students in public schools have access to the same opportunities as their private-school peers. Dan was joined by Jeff Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of Day of AI, and Katie Everett, Executive Director of the Lynch Foundation, to discuss the AI education gap and efforts to close it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.